Hugh Sam, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and talented composer passed peacefully in his sleep the morning of October 25 at the age of 92. Hugh was born in British Guiana (Guyana) on August 1, 1934. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Sam, and is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Gregory and Naomi Sam, André and Jacqueline Sam; four grandchildren: Melissa, Kristen, Jasmine, and Jett; and three great-grandchildren: Angelo, Vito, and Romía.
As a classical composer, pianist, and arranger with over 280 written works, Hugh is well-known across the Caribbean for incorporating Guyanese and Caribbean folksongs into classical concert piano and orchestral repertoires. He received several cultural honors and his work has been featured by various concert pianists and ensembles. Hugh’s love for music began at an early age when he studied piano and theory in Guyana under Millicent Joseph and Berle Marshall. His music education continued into adulthood at the Guildhall School of Music; he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music at the Manhattan School of Music, and attended graduate music studies at Brooklyn College. He shared this love of music with others also: writing duets for piano that he played with his wife Patricia, playing in The Starlight Trio with his sons, teaching music theory and composition at the Third Street Music School in Manhattan, and passing his love of music on to his grandchildren.
His artistry wasn’t limited to music; Hugh was also a very talented sketch artist. He also believed in giving back to his community and generously donated to several organizations such as the Native American Heritage Association and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A legend and cherished member of his family, Hugh Sam will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to God's Love We Deliver, Native American Heritage Association and Doctors Without Borders.
